Kylemore Abbey ‘contributes €60m’ to Galway and Mayo’s economy
KYLEMORE Abbey in Connemara, Co Galway, generates revenues of €59.8m and supports 1,550 jobs in the Galway-Mayo region, according to an economic impact study into the home of the Benedictine Order in Ireland.
The study was conducted by economic consultants Fitzpatrick Associates and took place from May to October 2019.
The study reviewed the direct and indirect economic impact of Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, and included an evaluation of spending by its 562,000 annual visitors.
The study provided an overview of the numbers of domestic and international tourists who go to Kylemore Abbey, which is one of the country’s most visited attractions outside of Dublin.
Commenting on the findings of the study, Kylemore Trust executive director Conor Coyne said: “Kylemore Abbey is one of Connemara’s largest employers, with up to 140 staff during peak summer months.
“Critically, in an area which has historically faced employment and emigration issues, Kylemore’s value to the regional economy is estimated at over €59m, with 1,550 associated jobs.
“These jobs include sectors such as hospitality, supplies, food, accommodation, professional services and transport. Furthermore, recent capital projects have provided employment for a further 100 people over the last three years.”
The study also found that 200,000 of the annual visitors cite Kylemore Abbey as the major influence in their decision to go to the region, with 88pc of them staying for at least one night. These 200,000 visitors spend an estimated €53.8m in the Galway-Mayo region during their stay.
Kylemore Abbey employs at least 100 people all year round and directly spends a further €6m annually, including on salaries and the procurement of goods and services.
In 2015, America’s University of Notre Dame partnered with Kylemore Abbey for educational programmes.